Although health insurance is a typical aspect of healthcare for many humans, pet owners tend to underestimate the costs associated with caring for a pet. A recent study by InsuranceProviders.com reports that while all pets benefit from having some type of veterinary insurance, dogs tend to rack up the largest bills at vet clinics.

The study looked at insurance costs, pet health risks and population, with insurance rates compiled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The organization reports healthy dogs' veterinary care costs about $235 annually, while cats' costs about $160.

In the study, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimated dogs visit the veterinarian an average of 2.7 times per year, while cats visit 2.4 times per year. Plus, dog illnesses and injuries tend to be more expensive to treat. That said, when cats do not visit the vet often enough, their illnesses can progress to a point where they are just as expensive to treat and it may be difficult to help the feline heal completely. Bringing your cat to the vet regularly is crucial to catching a disease or other condition early and getting the proper treatment so the cat can continue to live healthfully.

Luckily, different pet insurance plans cover standard well visits as well as accidents and illnesses. That means something like dog diabetes treatment or surgery to fix a broken bone could be covered, so owners will never be in a situation where they weigh their cat or dog's well-being against their finances.

HOW TO REACH US

VCA Roberts Animal Hospital

Phone: 781-826-2306

Fax: 781-829-9270

516 Washington Street

Hanover,
MA02339

BUSINESS HOURS

Emergency

VCA Roberts is open until 10pm seven days a week. Walk-ins and urgent care appointments are seen in order of arrival or on a critical needs basis. In case of emergency, please call us immediately, 781-826-2306.

After 10pm please contact or go directly to VCA South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
VCA South Shore 781-337-6622

VCA South Shore is located at 595 Columbian Street in Weymouth and is open 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.